Motorcycle riders are discovering the freedom of leaving multiple pairs of sunglasses at home and jumping on the open road with one pair of multi-use photochromic motorcycle sunglasses.
Also known as light-adjusting sunglasses, photochromic sunglasses use smart technology that allows you to see clearly in almost any light condition, changing color or tint depending on the light availability. So what’s new in photochromic eyewear? For one, they include advanced variable-tint technology so your glasses turn dark fast when you go outside and clear when you go back in. They also are available in 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection and polarization. The materials also come in plastic, regular and lightweight materials and in high-index plastic and polycarbonate.
So how does this cool technology work? There are millions of molecules of substances such as silver chloride and silver halide embedded in the lenses. When there is no UV light, the molecules are invisible. But when photochromic lenses are exposed to UV rays such as in direct sunlight, the molecules go through a chemical process that allows them to change shape. The new shape of the molecules absorbs portions of the visible light allowing the lenses to darken and change colors from gray to brown when exposed to UV light. This coating allows prescription photochromic sunglasses to darken regardless of thickness or lens prescription.
You can purchase photochromic sunglasses with removable foam that is impact resistant and seals out all wind and debris.
If you are on the fence of whether to purchase this type of eyewear or stay with multiple pairs, one disadvantage to consider is that it may take up to two minutes for your lenses to change from light to dark or dark to light. Also, photochromic sunglasses will not darken when you are in a vehicle so not a problem when you are motorcycle riding but it is if you want to use them while driving or riding in a car. One other disadvantage is that the lenses turn very dark when they get cold.
Once you’ve decided on what type of motorcycle eyewear you wish to purchase, be sure that they fit snugly and do not pinch on the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. The higher-priced sunglasses often come in different sizes. When trying on sunglasses, keep them on for a little while since it takes a bit of time to tell if they are too tight. Once you’ve decided on what style you like, consider purchasing from an online eyewear retailer.
Mr. Sideman is a freelance writer in Plano, Texas. He covers topics on eye protection products for outdoors enthusiasts. He writes extensively about ADS motorcycle sunglasses.